Skwachàys Lodge, Vancouver

Many reviews mentioned a significant presence of homeless people outside (there tends to be an issue with homelessness near E Hastings Street and Chinatown). So, I was quite nervous before arriving. Upon my arrival, I did see several homeless on the same street, some visibly struggling with substance abuse. However, they didn't pose a threat, as they were minding their own business. So, I wasn't overly concerned. (so i didnt leave this comment in Cons area) The interior design is quite cute, and It's within a 15-minute walking distance from Gastown and Chinatown, making it very convenient (has a lot of options to dine out). Even though i didnt get to checkout the facilities here but the hotel has sauna is kinda nice! The bed is very comfortable. We didn't have a chance to eat breakfast here so can't tell you if its good or bad.

The only two issue we encountered was that : 1. The water pressure from the shower head is low, def need to fix that! 2. Air conditioning would automatically turn on, and no matter how we tried to turn it off, we couldn't. We had to resort to cutting off the main power ourselves.

Rick was amazing, so great with my grand daughter and myself, went above and beyond, beautiful room, enjoyed the sauna and breakfast was amazing!

No parking

Unique rooms, very individualistic

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Security of having a fob and a room key. The breakfast was nice and lovely to have a latte brewed with fresh coffee beans.

The 5 blocks leading up to the accommodation on foot down West Pender - not clean and with homeless people. For a single older woman with a suitcase from the Skytrain on an early Friday evening was intimidating.

We had a wonderful stay. The staff are so nice and helpful. Breakfast was basic but quite good. The artwork throughout the lodge is amazing. Beds were quite comfortable. The upstairs sauna was a perfect way to end the day. We will definitely stay there again when in Vancouver. The area around the hotel does have a lot of homeless, but not threatening. Hotel is on the edge of Chinatown and Gastown.

Our aircon wasn’t working properly, but luckily the night was cool enough to sleep.

This is a fantastic boutique hotel with an amazing concept behind it! We enjoyed our stay very much and would return again. The art in the gallery and decor in the rooms was beautiful. We also took advantage of the smudge room and sauna.

There are very minor details that could be handled better: the AC unit is not typical of the hotel industry nor are there screens on the windows, BUT they do open which is not usual of most hotels, a pleasant surprise to get fresh air

Interesting decor, exceptional staff support. Easy walking distance to Chinatown.

The neighborhood is sketchy.--drug users present on the street at all hours, day and night.

It was conveniently located for a course that I was doing and close to good transit options. The decor was really interesting and it was great to be able to make a tea in the middle of the afternoon. Room was hot but luckily there was a fan provided that helped significantly.

It's expensive for where you are- it's right on the edge of sketchier parts of Vancouver so be aware when going out at night. We arrived before check in time, and there was a message saying they'd stepped away and to call a number - called it 3x and no answer. Eventually found a different number on booking (still no answer but then someone came to let us in) - all in all, it was probably 10 min or less but it's not an area of town where you want to be just standing on the street. I've heard that breakfast was nice but did not see it as it's only available 8-10 and my course started at 8. Information in room still says that the sauna and rooftop are closed so I didn't try checking it out.

location near Gastown

Couldn't check in until 4pm. No ice available.

The kind of hotel that should be supported. Amazing indigenous Canadian deco, and art gallery on reception floor. Great service and comfortable room.

Nothing about the hotel, unfortunately location wise it is close to the East Downtown area, so some issues on the streets outside. Fine for my solo stay, but I wouldn't bring the family.

We didn’t love the location

Very cmfortable beds. Quiet Artistic flair to decoration. Art gallery. Unique property. Adequate breakfast.

Extremely dusty room. Location felt a little dodgy. Expensive.

Great cultural hotel showing art and supporting art. Late check in but very helpful gentleman assured us as we had not booked parking. Good buffet style breakfast.

The hotel is right on the edge of a seedy part of town. Whilst not bothered by anyone it was not pleasant walking too and from the hotel and I certainly wouldn’t want any of my family witnessing it.

Comfort and concept first class. Staff very accommodating.

The immediate locality has a very noticeable street drug problem. We did not experience any violence as the druggies were almost zombie like in their stupor. However not at all a welcoming environment.

Bannock for breakfast ! Beds were nice

Outside area- and from window. Could not have blinds open. Room was accidentally left open after housekeeping, we also did it .. need to

Beautiful rooms.

Breakfast was good but minimal.

the staff were helpful, rooms delightful and breakfast hearty.

the immediate neighbourhood was a little seedy, but everyone minded their own and were no threat.

Room good with lovely decor and spotlessly clean.

It was on the edge of a poor area. There were a lot of homeless people hanging around the doorway next door clearly drugtakers or/ and mentally ill. It was intimidating although no one threatened us I would not have been happy to stay there if I was a sole traveler.

Friendly people

Location

Loved the ethos of Skwachays. Staff very friendly and helpful. Enjoyed communal spaces and meeting other guests. And loved vibe of the neighbourhood.

Nothing.

We stayed 4 nights and got to know the day and night staff, who were so welcoming and friendly. The ambiance and décor of the hotel and rooms was artistic and reflected the indigenous art and traditions the are the foundations of this boutique hotel and art gallery. The rooms were impeccably clean. The breakfast was included and was light, with homemade yogurts, bannock and a couple of sweet loaves. Overall, this was the casual and meaningful experience we were hoping for.

The hotel was conveniently located on the edge of Gastown and only a 10-15 min walking distance from Canada Place. Be mindful that the hotel is close to an non-touristic part of town that you would not want to explore in the evenings. That said, we will stay there again when we go back to Vancouver.

Breakfast was available, a bit challenging for my daughter who has nut allergies. Room was nicely decorated and very functional. Nice Gallery and supportive staff

Location is close to district with many homeless people, and associated challenges. Easily avoidable but certain areas not recommended.

We loved staying at Skwachàys Lodge. To start, the ethos of the hotel fully aligned with our personal values. We are artists and creatives, and deeply admire, respect and support Indigenous culture. It was so refreshing to be in a space amongst like minded people, surrounded by art and a mission to empower and inspire others. The room was just the right size for a couple - we stayed in the Tlingit Hat suite, which was well-appointed and clean. The robes were cozy and the bed super comfy. The breakfast was quality, tasty, and enough to get the day going - would appreciate more GF/non-dairy options. Coffee machine in main dining area was a bonus for that afternoon pick-me-up. Staff are super kind, helpful and attentive. We had an issue with our front door one day and Nobu assisted us to resolve this quickly (thanks, Nobu!). We thoroughly enjoyed the balcony and 6th floor patio overlooking the neighbourhood. We purchased some art from the gallery and look forward to displaying it at home with pride. Location is solid if you're taking public transportation (10 minutes to subway station, accessible via multiple bus routes, and walkable to all main attractions).

Love supporting local artists. Roo.s were clean and unique

Do not come here if you have a car! Staff has to open the gate to a very small parking garage in the back alley. There were homeless people actively doing drugs in the ally and we felt very unsafe to we returned our car a day early. They still charged us $75 for one night, where we did not feel as if we could take our car in and out without fear. Staff is friendly but don't seem to know what they are doing. Breakfast was supposed to be at 8 but all doors were closed. You have to call a security guard after hours, but he was nowhere to be found.

The hotel is beautiful. It even has rooftop access and it was a lovely place to sit and work on my computer. There is security on site most of the night and they are very kind. Breakfast was lovely and it was in a nice community space. The shop had gifts that were unique and support local artists. China town, a mall, the touristy street, Canada place (cruise ships), and great restaurants all in walking distance.

The area the hotel is in has a lot of transitional housing, so anytime I walked outside, and I mean right next store, in front of the parking lot, I witnessed a lot of drug use and some nudity. The hotel has security and they keep right in front of the entrance/shop clear, but it will be a challenging conversation with children if you stay there.